Challenging Racism in the Arts

In this thoughtful and lucid analysis, framed by their contention that 'cultural production is one way in which society gives voice to racism,' Carol Tator, Frances Henry, and Winston Matthis examine how six controversial Canadian cultural events have given rise to a new 'radical' or 'critical' multiculturalism.

Mainstream culture has increasingly become the locus for challenge by racial minorities. Beginning with the Royal Ontario Museum's Into the Heart of Africa exhibition, and following through with discussions of Show Boat, Miss Saigon, the exhibition of the Barnes Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the 'Writing Thru Race' conference in Vancouver, and the ill-fated attempts to acquire a licence for a black/dance radio station in Toronto, the authors examine manifestations of racism in Canada's cultural production over the last decade. A 'radical' multiculturalism, they argue, is difference as a politicized force, and arises whenever cultural imperialism is challenged.

Carol Tator is Course Director in the Department of Anthropology at York University.

Frances Henry is a Professor Emerita, York University. She is one of Canada's leading experts in the study of racism and anti-racism, specializing in Caribbean anthropology.

Winston Mattis is a lawyer specializing in employment law.